Faith Leaders, Legislators Seek $5 Million for Security at Connecticut Houses of Worship

Faith Leaders, Legislators Seek $5 Million for Security at Connecticut Houses of Worship

A group of lawmakers and clergy are seeking $5 million in the next state bond package to fund security measures at Connecticut houses of worship following increased tensions and an arson at a New Haven mosque.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • May 20, 2019

A group of lawmakers and clergy are seeking $5 million in the next state bond package to fund security measures at Connecticut houses of worship following a May 12 arson at the Diyanet Mosque in New Haven, which officials said appeared to be intentionally set. The funds would go toward security projects for houses of worship, including remote door entry systems, cameras and shatterproof windows.

Gaining access to the funds would follow the same general format for school security funded approved by the legislature after the 2012 Sandy Hook shootings. Clergy would have to apply for the funding and specify what purpose the funding would serve.

The effort to secure this funding for house of worship security is being led by Sen. M. Saud Anwar and Sen. Derek Slap. Anwar and Slap were joined by faith leaders and other legislators when they announced their proposal at the Capitol on Tuesday.

In addition to the May 12 mosque arson in New Haven, the state of Connecticut has experienced multiple similar incidents. The Anti-Defamation League said there were 39 anti-Semitic incidents in the state in 2018, including 19 cases of harassment, 19 acts of vandalism and one assault.

“These attacks strike at the heart of our social fabric, tearing at people’s faith in the very places where they should feel secure and at peace,” Slap said. “It’s rather sad, but I know many houses of worship are now reacting to increased acts of violence in the same way that public schools did after Columbine and Sandy Hook.”

Anwar said no one should have to feel unsafe or unwelcome in a house of worship. He said people of faith must build resilience.

“Churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples are pillars of our communities where people gather, joining together as one,” Anwar said. “In this current environment, where religious groups may feel threatened, this bonding will create a sense of resiliency and protection. Irrespective of the situation in New Haven, we must show everyone in our community that we are strong, and join together as one people.”

It’s expected that the security bonding plan for houses of worship will be written into the 2019 state bonding bill, the final details of which are still being worked on.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Electrified Latch Retraction Locks Key Benefits for Retrofits

    Building owners and facility managers increasingly rely on electrified hardware to enhance security while meeting accessibility standards. Among these technologies, electrified or motorized latch retraction locks are especially effective for retrofit projects where existing door and frame conditions complicate upgrades. Latch retraction capable locks combine security, accessibility and code compliance benefits, making them ideal for retrofitting fire-rated and non-rated openings in schools, healthcare facilities, commercial buildings and more. Read Now

  • How Cloud Security Solutions Are Transforming Campus Safety

    Campus administrators today face a challenging mandate: deliver stronger security across their facilities while working within tighter budget constraints. From school districts focused on student safety to hospitals protecting patients and staff, the question remains the same: how do you build security infrastructure that evolves with your needs without requiring massive capital investments? Read Now

  • Rethinking Campus Security From the Inside

    For decades, campus security strategies focused on keeping threats outside school walls. But since the tragedy at Columbine High School, data has shown that many attacks begin inside the building, often in classrooms and corridors. This shift has prompted schools to rethink security from the inside and place greater emphasis on interior elements such as classroom doors. This shift is evidenced by a new generation of classroom door systems engineered to delay inside intruders and an ASTM standard that raises the bar on how these systems must be designed to defend against attack. Read Now

  • AI in Security: Advancing Campus Safety and Considerations for Implementing

    Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to capture attention across every sector, and the physical security industry is no exception. Once seen as experimental, AI-enabled analytics now underpin how organizations monitor environments, detect threats, and make decisions. What was once futuristic is now a practical necessity for safety professionals managing growing volumes of data, tighter resources, and increasing expectations for faster, more accurate responses. Read Now

Most   Popular